Patrimonialism is often viewed as a modern or extended form of traditional authority. In this system, administrative and political power is exercised by an individual or a small group based on personal loyalty and traditional ties, rather than through the impersonal, rule-based structures characteristic of legal-rational authority.

An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which the monarch holds supreme autocratic authority, essentially unrestricted by written laws, a legislature, or customs. Unlike constitutional monarchies, where the monarch's power is limited by a constitution or parliament, an absolute monarch serves as the head of state and government with total control over the political and legal processes of the nation.

Totalitarianism is an extreme form of authoritarianism where the state recognizes no limits to its authority. It seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, including the economy, education, media, and even personal beliefs. By controlling all social institutions and suppressing dissent, the state ensures total conformity and mobilization of the population toward the regime's goals.

Communism is a socioeconomic ideology that advocates for the abolition of private property. In this system, the means of production—such as factories, land, and resources—are owned collectively by the community or the public, rather than by private individuals or corporations, aiming to eliminate class distinctions and exploitation.

In the Westminster system of government, the executive power is vested in the Cabinet, which is drawn from the legislature. The Cabinet is responsible for formulating policy and directing the government's legislative agenda. While the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet, the collective body of the Cabinet is the primary organ through which governing authority is exercised and implemented within the parliamentary framework.

Cosmopolitan democracy is a political theory that advocates for the extension of democratic principles beyond the nation-state. It suggests that in an increasingly globalized world, political decisions should be made at a global level, involving global citizenship and international institutions to address issues that transcend national borders.

A monarchy is a political system in which a single person, the monarch, serves as the head of state, usually for life and often through hereditary succession. While modern constitutional monarchies limit this power, the traditional definition aligns with the concept of a single ruler holding authority.

Politics is defined as the social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some people and groups. It involves the study of how societies establish norms, make collective decisions, and manage the distribution of power and resources among their members.

In the context of political sociology, a government's formal authority and legal jurisdiction are primarily defined by its relationship with its citizens. While a government may exert influence over residents or visitors, the concept of citizenship establishes the formal legal bond, rights, and obligations that define the scope of state power. This relationship is central to the social contract, where citizens grant authority to the state in exchange for protection and governance.

Totalitarianism is a form of government that attempts to exert total control over all aspects of public and private life. Key features include a single-party state, state-controlled media, and centralized economic planning. Freedom of movement is generally restricted in such regimes to maintain state security and control over the population. Therefore, the presence of freedom of movement is inconsistent with the definition of a totalitarian society.